Preparing for an IR Procedure

Below are general guidelines for patients to follow when preparing to undergo an interventional radiology procedure. For more information or for specific concerns, speak with your health care provider.

Prior to the procedure, inform the staff:

• If you have known reactions or allergies to contrast
• If you are pregnant

Before the Procedure

• Patients receiving moderate intravenous (IV) sedation should not eat or drink for six hours prior to the procedure. The level of sedation will be determined by the radiologist, and will depend on the patient’s age, the type of procedure and the patient’s level of anxiety. Patients under sedation are still conscious, retain the ability to breathe on their own and respond to instructions.
• Take your usual medications with a few sips of water (the physician will inform you if you need to stop any medications prior to the procedure).

For the Procedure

• For most interventional procedures, staff members will place an IV line in the arm to administer fluids and medications.
• The area of the skin, where the catheter will enter the body, will be prepped (sterile cleaning).
• Depending on the type of procedure, patients should expect to be in the hospital for six to eight hours, with some patients requiring an overnight stay.

After the Procedure

• After most IR procedures, patients are asked to rest for the remainder of the day, and can resume normal activities the following day.
• Patients receiving sedation should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Patients are advised to increase their intake of fluids. This will help flush out the X-ray dye from the kidneys.
• Patients with diabetes should speak with the radiologist before resuming certain medications.